Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

So hard to choose: coming upon a giraffe during the 'walking safari' on the shore of Lake Naivasha; seeing the elephants just behind our truck at the campsite on the rim of the Ngorongoro Crater; being so close to the lions in the Crater we could have stroked them (but didn't obviously) or watching a cheetah race and kill a gazelle right in front of our eyes -I can't decide.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Clara, our group leader, was great. She was knowledgeable, funny and capable and together with Ester, our cook, and Bonface, our driver, they made a great team. We learnt so much from each of them not just about the wildlife and places we visited, but also the people and cultures of Kenya and Tanzania.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Try to buy a cheap pillow on day 1, it will make camping more comfortable. You will get a locker on the truck to put important/precious items in; your main bag is stored separately so does not need to fit in the locker. If you go on the village walk when you stay in Marangu you will be taken to a local school. They welcome donations of money or school resources so go prepared! Tsetse flies like dark clothing so wear light stuff when in the Serengeti.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Very knowledgeable and great insight to Jordan, not just the places but the culture too. Organised some great extras too such as the snorkelling boat trip and cave dinner

Advice for Potential Travellers

If you are at all dubious about Jordan - don't be. There are not a lot of tourists at the moment which is great for us as have such a greater experience in Petra and other places but not so good for Jordan itself. Jordan needs you and you won't regret it. 

Most Inspirational Moment

Arriving at Machu Picchu after four days of trekking and seeing it bathed in afternoon sunshine was a fantastic moment. I don't think that Machu Picchu would have been quite as amazing if we hadn't done the trek. As they say, it's all about the journey, not just the destination!We saw so many animals, plants and birds in the jungle - caimen, capybara, a sloth, howler monkeys, possum, turtles, butterflies, toucans, green parrots, scarlet macaws, weaver birds, spiders (including a tarantula!) and more..... Frank and Ephrain, our guides in the jungle was fantastic at pointing out the tiniest of creature and telling us lots about the (sometimes amusing!) medicinal properties of the jungle flora.Being welcomed so warmly by our hosts at the homestay on Amantani Island and hearing about their way of life and their traditions was inspiring and such a contrast to the lives we lead - for the better in many ways.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Juan was a fantastic guide. One of our group's luggage was left by Iberia/Lan in Madrid and Juan went to great lengths to make sure that the bag and client were reunited as soon as possible.Juan has a real passion for his job and pointed out wildlife at every opportunity. He has a great sense of humour and was great at making sure that everyone was ok.

Advice for Potential Travellers

There is the option in the trip notes to book a hotel for the last night of the trek. I would strongly recommend it! It means that after arriving at Machu Picchu you can shower and have a good sleep before going back to visit Machu Picchu the following morning and heading back to Cusco later in the day.Take walking poles for the trek - I found them invaluable. There are lots and lots of steps and your knees will be grateful!You'll be able to get washing done after the jungle in Cusco as you are there for 2 nights. However, we weren't able to get washing done after the trek and for the rest of the holiday.You're likely to be affected by the altitude when you arrive at Cusco - this could be headache, vomiting, diarrhoea, insomnia, tiredness. Follow your guide's advice and drink lots of water, don't eat large meals in the evening (your body can't digest it so well at altitude, hence its need to purge!)US and european plug adaptors are both suitable.

Most Inspirational Moment

We were lucky we had 2 days of snow - it really made the trip even more spectacular than it would have been anyway.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Carl, was very Knowledgeable, and was on hand with lots of suggestions for the day off. He kept the group together well, so we ended up at the summits all as one group. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Please take walking poles! we were not expecting snow and it stopped us from doing a grade C walk that was scheduled. The poles were essential for the second day of snow as well which was grade C, without them it would have been a little dangerous.All drinks, treatments in the spa, bike hire @ The Adler are all put on your room tab so you don't need to take huge amounts of cash.Be prepared for a lot of food - buffet style breakfast and 5 course dinners!!! absolutely delicious though.

Most Inspirational Moment

Visiting the refuge with the "postcard" views, a family with 3 young children running it, and donkeys, a cat etc.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Alvaro was very considerate, sweet and keen. There is nothing negative to say.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take a very sturdy/strong pair of walking boots with you as the paths are very rocky in Picos.

Most Inspirational Moment

The first night at the water hole at Etosha was just incredible.  5 minutes after sitting down over 30 elephants came down to drink and the next few hours flew by as a succession of animals came & went. Unforgettable.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Ronnie was great.  Friendly, funny, knowledgeable and with a great eye for wildlife!

Advice for Potential Travellers

We followed the advice of others on here and took South African rand with us.  It's accepted everywhere and saved the hassle of changing money on arrival.

Most Inspirational Moment

Thethi and Valbona National Parks

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our leader and driver were both great - full of motivation and enthusiasm for their country and showing it to others. Very inspiring people.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Just be aware of what you are booking. Albania is a very interesting country, and if you want to mix a few days walking with the rest relaxing, long lunches, dropping into museums/castles along the way, then this could still be a good choice.

Most Inspirational Moment

I slept under the stars one night. The stars were incredible including the Milky Way as was the sound of the river.  Amazing. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Valerie Parkinson was inspirational and it was a priviledge to have trekked with her. 

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes just do as the Trip Notes tell you to do (they have been written by Valerie who has extensive experience in that area and of climbing at altitude) and bring what it says in the equipment list ie at least a 3-4 season sleeping bag and a thick sleeping mat to sleep on (not the thin ones you c an buy). A flannel for washing in the morning although I had one of those lightweight quick dry towels which were good. Dry your feet after the river crossings to avoid blisters. Take a high factor sun cream - at altitude you are closer to the sun. Bring a high factor suncream for your lips. Bring a wide brimmed sun hat. Avoid drinking tap water in Delhi or eating icecream and salad. I didn't have any altitude sickness or Delhi Belly. I did exactly as Valerie instructed and followed the trip notes. I also wasn't cold at night as I brought everything it said in  the trip notes including a down jacket which was very handy at night as the temperture did drop.  I would really have liked the trek to be longer so I might consider the Grand Traverse next. 

Most Inspirational Moment

The walking from Thethi and in the Valbona Valley were fabulous days and definitely at a moderate level.  The scenery in both areas is simply stunning.  Watching a huge weather system move down the Valbona Valley, complete with thunder and lightning, was amazing.  Made me feel very small yet exhilerated!  Just beautiful - at least it was until the skies opened above us!

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dorien (hope the spelling is right!) is a lovely guy who is very knowledgeable about his country.  He was able to provide interesting information on almost anything we could ask him.  He obviously loves his country and took pride in showing us the best of it.

Advice for Potential Travellers

As the trip stands at the moment it is not a moderate walking trip.  There are two moderate walks at the beginning of the week and 4 very easy walks later in the week.  Personally I would place a leisurely/moderate rating on the trip as along with the easy walks there is a lot of travelling in the bus and sightseeing involved.  If you are looking for a physical holiday you need to be aware that this trip will not tire you out each day (unless it is tiredness from the over-eating you will do!). There are some very long bus journeys which are sometimes not very comfortable but the views at the end will make it worth while.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The Walk of the Gods was my favourite part of the week, such stunning views, great walk along the cliff top and rewarding end in Positano. Great to be able to experience the traffic free side of Italy with walking in clean air and having gorgeous scenery to admire all along the walk. Feel good factor plus fun to chat along route and not overly busy with other walkers either. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Eduardo was like having your grandfather guiding the tour, he was fun, friendly and it was awesome that he lived in Bomerano as he knew everyone and everything about the place and was able to answer all the queries and questions. Plus he provide some really good local knowledge and history about the place as well as all the places we visited. He was highly organised, had a great sense of humour and was very patient with all the group and sorted out all our needs and requirements and he made nothing feel like a chore. He also had great energy and was always available to us and looked out for us the whole trip. I would recommend him as a tour leader.

Advice for Potential Travellers

We had cooler weather in September so worth taking a warm fleece for the evening as it does cool down. Also when you order food at lunch times remember it is Italy so lunch can be a long affair and try to order as a group to share foods rather than as individuals as this is more the Italian way.